Parliamentary Committee Releases Report on NBN; Recommends Extensive Changes to Current Plan
Wednesday 4 October 2017 @ 9.56 a.m. | Legal Research
The Joint Standing Committee on the National Broadband Network ('NBN') has released its first report from its inquiry last week on 29 September 2017. Amongst the extensive recommendations, the key recommendation was that the government enact legislation to give people clear information about the maximum speed that their connection could reach and there should be an independent audit of NBN Co’s business outcomes.
Key Findings
The report found that consumer satisfaction regarding connecting to the NBN was low, due to thelack of clear information on the matter. The report stated:
The report also noted that the needs of regional and rural internet users were not being adequately met.
Key Recommendations
Amongst 23 recommendations, the key recommendations are:
- The enactment of legislation in order to provide people with clearer information about the broadband speeds;
- The abandonment of the current mixed technology rollout plan and instead the use of fibre-to-kerb technology;
- The commissioning of a full independent audit and assessment of the long-term assumptions which underpin NBN Co’s financial plan.
Background to the Inquiry
The Joint Standing Committee was established to inquire into the NBN rollout on 14 September 2017. The committee is comprised of nine Members and eight Senators. The joint standing committee is led by Sussan Ley MP. The framework of the NBN is supported by the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011 (Cth) and the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (National Broadband Network Measures—Access Arrangements) Act 2011 (Cth), which came into force in April 2011.
The Committee is expected to report to the House of Parliament annually on the progress of the rollout, usage in metropolitan and regional areas, Australia’s comparative position with regards to broadband technology, activation sates and usage demands, and any other related matters.
Future Directions
It is likely that the government will not agree with the recommendations, as noted in the dissenting report issued by the five Liberal members of the Committee, including Ms Ley. Regarding any changes,the dissenting report noted:
An NBN Co. spokesperson said:
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Sources:
Joint Standing Committee on the National Broadband Network, 'The rollout of the National Broadband Network,' (report) 29 September 2017.
David Swan, 'NBN inquiry: joint committee recommends shift to fibre,' (The Australian) 29 September 2017.
Glen Humphries, 'Govt inquiry finds confusion over NBN' (Illawara Mercury) 3 October 2017.
Terms of Reference of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Broadband Network.